new to witnessing...

[pamanfu]

I have called myself a Christian for many years, but have only recently understood what that means.

I used to never read the bible, never went to church, and certainly never enjoyed fellowship with Christians... That all changed when I met my wife who was an athiest. While I was not a good Christian, I did believe in salvation, grace heaven and hell. I of course do not want my wife whom I love to go to HELL.

...what to do...what to do. We would debate, she was unconvinced. We would fight...ya know the story...as old as time.

Then it was suggested to me, that I should start reading the bible, and living like a good christian,and she would follow. You know... Be a shining example and all that...
Anyway, it worked! I have become a better Christian, thru study in his word. My wife believes and is filled with the holy spirit, thanks to Jesus Christ. We have found a Church.

Now I feel God telling me to be a witness to others. Perhaps one day I would like to do missionary work.

I have a couple of problems though.

One, I am very shy...very introverter...
I am not a social person. Believe me even coming to a forum is hard for me.
and
Two, Im non confrontational. Im not really good at sustaining an arguement (good quality maybe, except when trying to debate with someone).

I'm no theologian, but I feel that I am intelligent enough to have a discussion with another person who may not see things the way I see them. I know enough about the bible to carry on conversation regarding biblical theology...and what I don't know I can research.

I want to share the good news, I have something to offer, as all Christians do. But I feel that I set myself up for failure. I am very self critical, and tend to get discouraged. Especially when its something I don't feel I'm good at. I mean I stoped responding to a thread just because I couldnt continue to argue the concept of Grace with someone. I just did'nt seem to be up to the challenge of having someone challenge my beliefs (outside of the occasional discussion with the wife).

Has anyone had this problem?
I would love to hear your stories and advice.

Your prayers would be appreciated.

God bless you all!

 

[Heinrich]

Don't argue with people.. it very seldom works.
Pray... Yes pray alot!
Maybe you can find the book "Intercessory prayer by Dutch Sheets"

 

[desi]

Sometimes you have to argue with people, Jesus did.

 

[Stanfi]

I wouldn't not recommed arguing. The best way to witness is to live your life before others the best that you can. I have often heard that "we are the only Bible so many people read". Watch watch you say and do. One simple wrong word can destroy your witness. One easy thing to do is when someone ask you something like "What do you do for fun?" Say "Go to church". If you get a moment ask a lost friend to go to church with you. People think to witness you have to conquer the world. It's just one person at a time. Basically pray, and when God opens a door for you, stick your foot in it. He will be right there with you.

 

[justletmein]

I'm in the same boat, as you are now. I've found that it's *much* better to lay it out the first time or two that you meet someone. If you go a long while without saying anything and build a friendship and then hit them with it it's a little weird for them. You don't have to go all out on them when you meet them, but drop comments and such so they know where you stand, then when the time comes down the road you won't blindside them. I've also noticed that if I say a few things when we first meet and don't say anything much after that people are naturally curious and will often ask you questions. I'm still at the beginning stages of my journey so please take this with a grain of salt, just a few observations of mine.

 

[RonC2]

If missionary work is what God wants for you He will see you through it. He doesn't give you what you can't handle and won't. If it is truly His will for you to witness to others then He will provide you with the knowledge, timing, speech and meekness to do so. Just pray pray pray and pray some more about it. The answer will find you.

God Bless,
Ron

 

[Brooke]

A lot of times God gives you someone to witness. Like we all have a plan for our lives, to work for God, right? Well He most likely has friends for us to meet and people to witness in store for us!

Somewhere in this world, there are people who need your type of witnessing style or personality to fit their needs. Just have faith...

 

[peaceful soul]

If God calls you to witnessing, it is a gift. He will prepare you for that; otherwise you should just let Him lead you to the situations and people He wants you to witness to.

Through salvation, we all become witnesses of Christ. Don't worry about it, God will have you ready. You can't rehearse it; the Holy Spirit will lead you.

As far as arguing goes, don't do it as a rule. If you can have a peaceful debate, choose that instead. There are times where you may have to stand your ground and not compromise the Gospel. In such cases, it may be applicable to get your point across by being firm with your words.

 

[Brooke]

I agree!

 

[pamanfu]

Thank you all for your suggestions. God bless you my brothers and sisters in Christ

 

[Peter]

Sometimes you have to argue with people, Jesus did.

Proof texts?

Peace

Peter